Chapter 3

On the way home, I remembered someone important. I made a call, gave instructions, then headed home.

I hadn't been asleep long when I heard the front door open.

When I walked out of the bedroom, Scarlett jumped. I noticed hickeys all over her neck.

Scarlett noticed and quickly covered her neck, looking guilty. "Honey, you're still up?"

I kept my voice flat. "Yeah, just got back from the office."

My words made her smile freeze, then she forced it back. "Oh! I went to the office looking for you! Didn't know you'd come home early. What a waste of a trip. You owe me."

She looped her arm through mine and pouted.

Back then, her little games always worked. I'd pull her close right away.

But now? Nothing. I gently pushed her off.

"Honey, what's wrong?"

"I stuck up for Liam earlier—are you still mad about that?"

"I just thought you two shouldn't be so formal after all these years. You always used to accept each other's gifts, but you hesitated this time. It'll make him think something's wrong."

"You wouldn't be where you are without your friends. If you fall out with them, where does that leave you? I'm looking out for you. Just take the mansion."

A bitter laugh rose in my throat. *Looking out for me while trying to kill me.*

I kept a straight face. "If they're so great, go be with them."

That set Scarlett off.

"Alex, what the hell are you talking about?! I'm your wife! How could you say that?!"

"My parents were wrong about you. They never should've let me marry such a petty man!"

I scoffed. "Guess I am petty—otherwise I never would've married you!"

Scarlett lost it. She grabbed a glass and threw it at me. It hit my forehead, drawing blood. She pointed at me, screaming, "Alex, are you serious?! If you want this marriage to work, take the mansion! I've been with you for years! You don't want to live there, but I do!"

"And I even planned a company banquet in your honor to boost your reputation! You're such a disappointment!"

I was about to fire back when Mark, our CFO, called.

"Mr. Alex, Scarlett said there's a celebration banquet this afternoon. You're not at the office, so hurry! Everyone's waiting."

I didn't know what Scarlett was planning, but with the company newly public, I couldn't let employees get demoralized. So I agreed.

When I agreed, Scarlett finally looked satisfied. She left, warning me not to let her down and to make sure I showed up.

That afternoon, I arrived at the address Scarlett sent. I noticed it was less than a hundred yards from that mansion.